The University of the Philippines (UP) community has been thrown into deep mourning following the sudden death of its Nigerian basketball recruit, Israel Osamudiame Friday.
The 19-year-old collapsed during a training session on Tuesday at the Varsity Training Centre in Diliman, Quezon City. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Friday, who would have celebrated his 20th birthday on September 6, was among the latest recruits for the UP Fighting Maroons basketball team.
Confirming the heartbreaking news, Bo Perasol, Director of the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development, described the incident as a devastating loss for the university.
“UP is heartbroken to confirm that one of our newest recruits, Israel Osamudiame, collapsed during practice yesterday. He was immediately brought to a nearby hospital where, despite the efforts of medical personnel, he passed away,” Perasol said in a statement.
He added that UP is working closely with Friday’s family and offering full support as they navigate this tragedy. The university also appealed for the public to respect the privacy of his family during their period of mourning.
Standing at 6-foot-10, Friday was regarded as one of the most promising frontcourt prospects in Philippine collegiate basketball. Originally from Abuja, Nigeria, he recently transferred from Centro Escolar University (CEU), where he played for the Scorpions in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL).
Though required to undergo a one-year residency before suiting up for the UP Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 89, his height, athleticism, and raw talent had already earned him recognition as a rising star with a bright future in the sport.
The sudden death of Israel Friday has sent shockwaves across the basketball community in both the Philippines and Nigeria, with fans and teammates paying tribute to his talent, humility, and potential that was tragically cut short.
